Product Code Database
Slim Smith (born Keith Smith; 5 October 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica – 9 October 1972) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer. In their book Reggae: The Rough Guide (1997), Steve Barrow and Peter Dalton described Smith as "the greatest vocalist to emerge in the rocksteady era".Barrow, Steve & Dalton, Peter: Reggae: The Rough Guide, 1997, Rough Guides,
In 1966 Slim Smith commenced recording for Prince Buster and Coxsone Dodd's Studio One label, a major rival to Duke Reid. His hits from this period included "The New Boss", "Hip Hug" and "Rougher Yet", which later formed part of his compilation album, Born To Love. In 1967 a new line-up of The Uniques was formed, and they formed an association with another record producer, Bunny Lee. In 1968, Smith released "My Conversation", backed by "Beatitude", which, as the title suggests, was Smith's lyrical take on the Biblical verses from Beatitudes. The Uniques topped the Jamaican hit parade with "Let Me Go Girl", but after recording the album Absolutely The Uniques, Smith left the group to progress as a solo artist but still under Lee's tutelage.
Smith's song "Everybody Needs Love" was an immediate hit with a similarly titled album duly following. Despite further recording successes, by 1972 personal problems saw Smith being detained in the Bellevue sanatorium." Slim Smith, the influential singer: Unsung", Jamaica Observer, 17 August 2012, retrieved 1 September 2012
Smith died on the night of 9 October 1972. Unable to gain entry to his parents' house, he broke a window, badly lacerating his arm. He bled to death before he could receive treatment. His death stunned Jamaica, where his popularity as one of Jamaica's best vocalists saw numerous reissues of his output.
There have also been numerous 'best of' compilations released.
|
|
